Cardiff-based Cowshed named UK PR Consultancy of the Year at CIPR Excellence Awards
Cardiff-based Cowshed named UK PR Consultancy of the Year at CIPR Excellence Awards
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Cardiff’s own Cowshed has been crowned UK PR Consultancy of the Year at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) prestigious Excellence Awards, beating out some of the country’s most established agencies to take home the top honour.
Held at the Royal Lancaster London, the 41st annual ceremony gathered over 400 professionals from across the PR and communications industry. Hosted by magician and presenter Ben Hanlin, the evening celebrated the best campaigns, teams, and talent from the past year.
Cowshed was recognised for its consistent growth, progressive workplace policies, impressive client portfolio, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Founded in 2014 by Vicki Spencer-Francis, the full-service PR and creative agency now boasts a 30-strong team and has become Wales’ most awarded communications firm, according to PRWeek.
“In the early days, I would sit at home watching the winners announced on Twitter, wondering if we’d ever get there—and here we are,” said Spencer-Francis. “We don’t have the benefit of London agency connections, so it seemed unlikely we’d ever win something like this. I’m incredibly proud that a female-owned, independent agency from Cardiff has made it—representing Wales on the biggest stage in our industry.”
The award follows a string of national accolades for Cowshed’s recent standout campaigns, including:
- BOG STANDARD – A campaign for phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK advocating for male incontinence bin provision in public restrooms
- Project Pinpoint – A South Wales Police initiative to encourage public reporting of anti-social behaviour
Other high-profile clients include Vattenfall UK’s Pen-y-Cymoedd Wind Farm and national children’s charity Cerebra.
The CIPR judges praised Cowshed’s values-driven approach: “Clearly, work with meaning runs through this consultancy. The strategy and actions of this agency are exemplary, and its commitment to DEI and autism awareness sets a high benchmark for the industry. A worthy winner.”
Cowshed’s win signals a broader recognition of the thriving creative and communications industry in Wales and highlights the growing influence of regional agencies on the national stage.
